Marine Engineering Technology
Cal Poly Maritime Academy | College of Engineering
The Marine Engineering Technology major provides a foundation in the engineering fundamentals of shipboard mechanical and electrical systems, as well as practical training in the operation and maintenance of steam, motor, and gas turbine propulsion plants. In this program, students will graduate with a U.S. Coast Guard Third Engineer Unlimited License, allowing them to sail aboard commercial vessels.
Solano Campus | Vallejo, California
The Marine Engineering Technology major prepares cadets for a profitable and rewarding engineering career, both ashore and at sea.
The program is ABET accredited and STCW certified, guaranteeing the quality and value of the degree.
To earn the degree, students must be enrolled in the Corps of Cadets.
Additionally, graduation from the program necessitates that a student meet all of the requirements for their U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine License and U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Assistant Engineer License. This includes passing licensing exams, fulfilling all sea-time requirements, and successful completion of all coursework.
The Marine Engineering Technology curriculum exemplifies Learn by Doing.
Students will spend three summers at sea as engineering cadets. Two of those will be aboard the university’s training ship.
To prepare for these experiences, students will take simulators like Steam Plant System Operations, Steam Plant Watch Team and Diesel Engine II Simulator Lab. To help reinforce the engineering instruction, students will take labs to support lectures in Materials, Fluids, Instrumentation, Electromechanical Machinery and Automation.
About the Program
Our Marine Engineering Technology major provides an undergraduate education for marine engineers employed aboard commercial and military vessels.
The curriculum combines foundational knowledge in shipboard mechanical and electrical systems with hands-on training in operating and maintaining steam, motor and gas turbine propulsion plants. Cadets complete two sea training periods aboard Training Ship Golden Bear and one aboard a commercial or military vessel. Graduates are eligible to sit for the U.S. Coast Guard exam to become Third Assistant Engineers, Steam Motor Vessels and Unlimited Horsepower.
Learn by Doing
The program includes three sea training periods aboard Training Ship Golden Bear and Merchant Marine vessels.
The major focuses on the operation and maintenance of steam, motor and gas turbine propulsion systems. Students gain expertise in the development, production, maintenance, troubleshooting and design of essential equipment used both ashore and at sea. In addition, students will combine their practical and classroom knowledge to design and build an electronics project of their choosing.
Our Graduates
Our program is designed to provide graduates with a broad foundation in both an academic and practical understanding of the engineering fundamentals of land-based and shipboard mechanical and electrical systems.
Graduates also receive practical training in the operation and maintenance of steam, motor and gas turbine propulsion plants. It includes the development, production, maintenance, troubleshooting, and design of all the equipment used ashore and at sea.
With this breadth of experience, graduates have obtained a variety of roles, such as marine engineer, plant engineer, energy and commissioning specialist and data center engineer. Graduates may opt to sail with one of the maritime unions (Marine Engineers Beneficial Association and American Maritime Officers) or work directly for companies such as Military Sealift Command, Chevron, BAE Systems, Syserco, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics-NASSCO.